24 December 2012

"Every day in every way I am better and better" by Emile Coue.

Anyone studying hypnosis would have learned about Emile Coue.  He was an amazingly brilliant French pharmacist and psychologist who believed we all have within our selves the instruments of our own cure.  To achieve this he used self-hypnosis, affirmations and created a set of "Laws" to help over come our resistance to change.  If you are trying to loose weight, stop smoking, or break any habit or compulsive behaviour, you need to over come one of these laws.  Below is a brief description of his laws and how they work.  Once you understand which law applies to you, it helps you to over come it.

The Law of Reverse Effect - When you want to make a change, but feel you can't really do it.  i.e. Think of a smoker.  Do you want to quit or do you have to quit.  Someone else telling you to do it.

The Law of Dominant Effect - Every time the will and the imagination come into conflict, we do precisely the opposite of what we want.  i.e. You want to quit or change something, but can't SEE yourself doing it.

The Law of Concentrated Attention - When your attention is focused on a suggestion or idea, the result is magnified.  i.e. "Every day in every way I am better and better".

The Law of Auxiliary Emotions - When an idea is influenced by emotion it tend to be realised.  i.e.  You know someone who gets lung cancer and the FEAR you might too - drives you to quit.  Fear is a great motivator.

If we use these laws to our advantage, then change can happen faster.

I encourage anyone interested to read My Methods by Emile Coue.



20 December 2012

Christmas stress and relaxation tips

Christmas does not have to be stressful, shopping does not have to be stressful, being with family and in-laws does not have to be stressful, NO EVENT has to be stressful!  It is the emotion we attach to the event that makes things seem stressful.  Before the event we start thinking about "what ifs" and usually it is about something going wrong.

You may have the person at the party who gets drunk and it is harder to control but you can even do little things to control it.  Make weaker drinks, get low alcohol beers/wine, and have a designated driver arranged to take them home.  Or it could be the difficult relative that always starts arguments.  Keep the conversation on light topics or ones you don't particularly care about, or excuse yourself to use the loo to break the state of aggression building.

TIPS:  Before the event, think about it all going well.  Keep your mood up with Christmas music and naming 10 things you are grateful for about the event before it happens.  Focus on the positive side and remember to breath 6 times deeply to calm you back to a neutral  place.  Remember, thinks seem worse in our minds so ask yourself "is this really that bad" and "what can I do to improve things immediately" and let your creative side go wild.  NO NOT drink excessively or allow yourself to react in negative, self destructive ways like over eating or smoking.  It is not worth it and you are the only one who suffers as a result.

Enjoy the season and relax!

06 December 2012

Our achievements in 2012


2012 has been a great year. We have had the London Olympics, which saw a huge success for Team GB and - why not - Team USA  (best of both worlds). It has also been a year that has seen our business take some very positive steps forward.

At the start of the year, our website was redesigned. We love it! If you haven't seen it, take a look and see what you think.

We continue to work at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy, located in the Putneymead Medical Centre (one of London's largest GP practices offering NHS and private care). Clive Lathey and his team continue to offer the best all-round care you need including physiotherapy, osteopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, podiatry and more. Parkside Hospital is also located in the Centre. Visit their website for more details.

We have also started practising at Bodies Under Construction Physiotherapy in Chiswick. They have an outstanding multidisciplinary service and are located in the Riverside Club. For details of the services they provide, visit their website.

We have also established links with other companies we admire and respect and have placed them on our "We Recommend" page.

05 December 2012

Don't let the dark winter nights get you down!

Don't let the dark winter nights get you down! Remember, it is mind over matter and what you think will influence how you feel.

This is the perfect time of year to take action and not get trapped into the winter blues. It might seem hard to do but the point is, it’s an illusion. It does not have to be dark and dreary in your mind. Every night and every morning say an affirmation to your self about having a perfect day, a delightful day, and a happy day. Promise yourself you will smile at everyone you meet and say a strong friendly "hello"! Pretend you are in a movie.

They are simple things to do and they work.

Other tips to feel good:

  • Turn up the music
  • Walk every day
  • Try a new healthy recipe or to cook a classic meal
  • Volunteer
  • Plan a holiday or visit to a free museum
  • Sign up for a class to learn something new
  • Watch a funny film
  • Make something – like personalised cards
  • Call an old friend

Get thin and stay thin!

A complete weight loss programme using hypnotherapy, nutrition and yoga


This course is designed to help anyone seriously wanting to lose weight. We cannot force you to get thin and stay thin but provided you play your part we can help give you the best possible chance of doing so. We will teach you the newest psychological techniques available to help you to get thin and fit and stay that way. Plus, you receive a full nutritional assessment and recommended healthy eating plan.

About the course

Running 2 weeks consecutively followed by a 2 week break between the last two sessions, the course includes:
  • 4 Hypnotherapy sessions
  • 4 Nutritional assessments
  • 4 Yoga or Pilates classes
When and where

The next session starts on 11th January 2013 at 4pm (duration 2 hours) at:

The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy
2nd floor, 266 Upper Richmond Road,
Putney,
London SW15 6TQ.

Cost, terms and bookings

The course costs £525 (a saving of £165), which is payable in 4 installments, and are to be used before the end of March 2013. To book, call Marygrace Anderson on 07931 54 74 14 or send an email to mghypnosis@aol.com.

Expect Much More Than Getting Thin?

We anticipate that the techniques you will learn will not only help you to get thin but will help you in many other areas. We expect that you will:

  • Improve your confidence and health
  • Increase your ability to solve problems
  • Increase your ability to reach your goals in other areas of your life
  • Improve your relationships with others
  • Increase your ability to enjoy your life

We don't use:

  • Pills
  • Surgery
  • Terror tactics

We do use:

  • The latest scientific research
  • Affirmations
  • Visualisation
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Guided imagery
  • Coaching
  • The power of the mind
  • Hypnosis

What to expect

All participants start off with an individual phone consultation to assess what they have done in the past, what their specific difficulties are and of course what they are aiming to achieve. We will email you a short form to fill in and email back before the first session.

Who are the experts?

What if UP?

Here's a little game to play with yourself or with your clients. The idea has been expanded by Mindy Audlin. The mind is always asking what if DOWN questions like:

  • What if it all goes wrong?
  • What if they don't like me?
  • What if I lose all my money?

In this game you ask what if UP questions like:

  • What if it all goes right?
  • What if I become a lose that weight?
  • What if I become a millionaire?

When you start asking the what if UP questions it will start changing your energy levels and your internal dialogue. It feels good.

Don't take my word for it. Try it and see what happens. Have fun!

04 December 2012

Tons of stats showing success rates for Hypnotherapy!


Wiki web site
90.6% Success Rate for Smoking Cessation Using Hypnosis
Of 43 consecutive patients undergoing this treatment protocol, 39 reported remaining abstinent from tobacco use at follow-up (6 months to 3 years post-treatment). This represents a 90.6% success rate using hypnosis.
University of Washington School of Medicine, Depts. of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2001 Jul;49(3):257-66. Barber J. 

87% Reported Abstinence From Tobacco Use With Hypnosis
A field study of 93 male and 93 female CMHC outpatients examined the facilitation of smoking cessation by using hypnosis. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of the men and 87% of the women reported continued abstinence from the use of tobacco using hypnosis.
Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion. Johnson DL, Karkut RT. Adkar Associates, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana. Psychol Rep. 1994 Oct;75(2):851-7. 
PMID: 7862796 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] 

81% Reported They Had Stopped Smoking After Hypnosis
Thirty smokers enrolled in an HMO were referred by their primary physician for treatment. Twenty-one patients returned after an initial consultation and received hypnosis for smoking cessation. At the end of treatment, 81% of those patients reported that they had stopped smoking, and 48% reported abstinence at 12 months post-treatment.
Texas A&M University, System Health Science Center, College of Medicine, College Station, TX USA. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2004 Jan;52(1):73-81. Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention. Elkins GR, Rajab MH. 

Hypnosis Patients Twice As Likely To Remain Smoke-Free After Two Years
Study of 71 smokers showed that after a two-year follow up, patients that quit with hypnosis were twice as likely to remain smoke-free than those who quit on their own.
Guided health imagery for smoking cessation and long-term abstinence. Wynd, CA. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2005; 37:3, pages 245-250. 

Hypnosis More Effective Than Drug Interventions For Smoking Cessation
Group hypnosis sessions, evaluated at a less effective success rate (22% success) than individualized hypnosis sessions. However, group hypnosis sessions were still demonstrated here as being more effective than drug interventions.
Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Descriptive outcomes of the American Lung Association of Ohio hypnotherapy smoking cessation program. Ahijevych K, Yerardi R, Nedilsky N. 

Hypnosis Most Effective Says Largest Study Ever: 3 Times as Effective as Patch and 15 Times as Effective as Willpower.
Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. A meta-analysis, statistically combining results of more than 600 studies of 72,000 people from America and Europe to compare various methods of quitting. On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone.
University of Iowa, Journal of Applied Psychology, How One in Five Give Up Smoking. October 1992.
(Also New Scientist, October 10, 1992.) 

Hypnosis Over 30 Times as Effective for Weight Loss
Investigated the effects of hypnosis in weight loss for 60 females, at least 20% overweight. Treatment included group hypnosis with metaphors for ego-strengthening, decision making and motivation, ideomotor exploration in individual hypnosis, and group hypnosis with maintenance suggestions. Hypnosis was more effective than a control group: an average of 17 lbs lost by the hypnosis group vs. an average of 0.5 lbs lost by the control group, on follow-up.
Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492. 

Two Years Later: Hypnosis Subjects Continued To Lose Significant Weight
109 people completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group showed little further change.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1985) 

Hypnosis Subjects Lost More Weight Than 90% of Others and Kept it Off
Researchers analyzed 18 studies comparing a cognitive behavioral therapy such as relaxation training, guided imagery, self monitoring, or goal setting with the same therapy supplemented by hypnosis.
Those who received the hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of those not receiving hypnosis and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended.
University of Connecticut, Storrs Allison DB, Faith MS. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for obesity: a meta-analytic reappraisal. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996;64(3):513-516. 

Hypnosis More Than Doubled Average Weight Loss
Study of the effect of adding hypnosis to cognitive-behavioral treatments for weight reduction, additional data were obtained from authors of two studies. Analyses indicated that the benefits of hypnosis increased substantially over time.
Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments--Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519. 

Hypnosis Showed Significantly Lower Post-Treatment Weights
Two studies compared overweight smoking and non-smoking adult women in an hypnosis-based, weight-loss program. Both achieved significant weight losses and decreases in Body Mass Index. Follow-up study replicated significant weight losses and declines in Body Mass Index. The overt aversion and hypnosis program yielded significantly lower post-treatment weights and a greater average number of pounds lost.
Weight loss for women: studies of smokers and nonsmokers using hypnosis and multi-component treatments with and without overt aversion. Johnson DL, Psychology Reprints. 1997 Jun;80(3 Pt 1):931-3. 

Hypnotherapy group with stress reduction achieved significantly more weight loss than the other two treatments.
Randomised, controlled, parallel study of two forms of hypnotherapy (directed at stress reduction or energy intake reduction), vs dietary advice alone in 60 obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea on nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
J Stradling, D Roberts, A Wilson and F Lovelock, Chest Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK 

Hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches
An analysis of five weight loss studies reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 showed that the "… weight loss reported in the five studies indicates that hypnosis can more than double the effects" of traditional weight loss approaches.
University of Connecticut, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 (Vol. 64, No. 3, pgs 517-519). 

Weight loss is greater where hypnosis is utilized
Research into cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments established that weight loss is greater where hypnosis is utilized. It was also established that the benefits of hypnosis increase over time.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1996) 

Showed Hypnosis As "An Effective Way To Lose Weight"
A study of 60 females who were at least 20% overweight and not involved in other treatment showed hypnosis is an effective way to lose weight.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1986)


Reference
Hypnosis Reduces Frequency and Intensity of Migraines
Compared the treatment of migraine by hypnosis and autohypnosis with the treatment of migraine by the drug prochlorperazine (Stemetil). Results show that the number of attacks and the number of people who suffered blinding attacks were significantly lower for the group receiving hypnotherapy than for the group receiving prochlorperazine. For the group on hypnotherapy, these two measures were significantly lower when on hypnotherapy than when on the previous treatment. It is concluded that further trials of hypnotherapy are justified against some other treatment not solely associated with the ingestion of tablets.
Anderson JA, Basker MA, Dalton R, Migraine and hypnotherapy, International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis 1975; 23(1): 48-58. 

Hypnosis Reduces Pain and Speeds up Recovery from Surgery
Since 1992, we have used hypnosis routinely in more than 1400 patients undergoing surgery. We found that hypnosis used with patients as an adjunct to conscious sedation and local anesthesia was associated with improved intraoperative patient comfort, and with reduced anxiety, pain, intraoperative requirements for anxiolytic and analgesic drugs, optimal surgical conditions and a faster recovery of the patient. We reported our clinical experience and our fundamental research.
[Hypnosis and its application in surgery] Faymonville ME, Defechereux T, Joris J, Adant JP, Hamoir E, Meurisse M, Service d'Anesthesie-Reanimation, Universite de Liege, Rev Med Liege. 1998 Jul;53(7):414-8. 

Hypnosis Reduces Pain Intensity
Analysis of the simple-simple main effects, holding both group and condition constant, revealed that application of hypnotic analgesia reduced report of pain intensity significantly more than report of pain unpleasantness.
Dahlgren LA, Kurtz RM, Strube MJ, Malone MD, Differential effects of hypnotic suggestion on multiple dimensions of pain. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. 1995; 10(6): 464-70. 

Hypnosis Reduces Pain of Headaches and Anxiety
The improvement was confirmed by the subjective evaluation data gathered with the use of a questionnaire and by a significant reduction in anxiety scores.
Melis PM, Rooimans W, Spierings EL, Hoogduin CA, Treatment of chronic tension-type headache with hypnotherapy: a single-blind time controlled study. Headache 1991; 31(10): 686-9. 

Hypnosis Lowered Post-treatment Pain in Burn Injuries
Patients in the hypnosis group reported less post treatment pain than did patients in the control group. The findings are used to replicate earlier studies of burn pain hypnoanalgesia, explain discrepancies in the literature, and highlight the potential importance of motivation with this population.
Patterson DR, Ptacek JT, Baseline pain as a moderator of hypnotic analgesia for burn injury treatment. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology 1997; 65(1): 60-7. 

Hypnosis Lowered Phantom Limb Pain
Hypnotic procedures appear to be a useful adjunct to established strategies for the treatment of phantom limb pain and would repay further, more systematic, investigation. Suggestions are provided as to the factors which should be considered for a more systematic research program.
Treatment of phantom limb pain using hypnotic imagery. Oakley DA, Whitman LG, Halligan PW, Department of Psychology, University College, London, UK. 

Hypnosis Has a Reliable and Significant Impact on Acute and Chronic Pain
Hypnosis has been demonstrated to reduce analogue pain, and studies on the mechanisms of laboratory pain reduction have provided useful applications to clinical populations. Studies showing central nervous system activity during hypnotic procedures offer preliminary information concerning possible physiological mechanisms of hypnotic analgesia. Randomized controlled studies with clinical populations indicate that hypnosis has a reliable and significant impact on acute procedural pain and chronic pain conditions. Methodological issues of this body of research are discussed, as are methods to better integrate hypnosis into comprehensive pain treatment.
Hypnosis and clinical pain. Patterson DR, Jensen MP, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA 98104 Psychol Bull. 2003 Jul;129(4):495-521. 

Hypnosis is a Powerful Tool in Pain Therapy and is Biological in Addiction to Psychological
Attempting to elucidate cerebral mechanisms behind hypnotic analgesia, we measured regional cerebral blood flow with positron emission tomography in patients with fibromyalgia, during hypnotically-induced analgesia and resting wakefulness. The patients experienced less pain during hypnosis than at rest. The cerebral blood-flow was bilaterally increased in the orbitofrontal and subcallosial cingulate cortices, the right thalamus, and the left inferior parietal cortex, and was decreased bilaterally in the cingulate cortex. The observed blood-flow pattern supports notions of a multifactorial nature of hypnotic analgesia, with an interplay between cortical and subcortical brain dynamics. Copyright 1999 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain.
Functional anatomy of hypnotic analgesia: a PET study of patients with fibromyalgia. Wik G, Fischer H, Bragee B, Finer B, Fredrikson M, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institute and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden Eur J Pain. 1999 Mar;3(1):7-12. 

Hypnosis Useful in Hospital Emergency Rooms
Hypnosis can be a useful adjunct in the emergency department setting. Its efficacy in various clinical applications has been replicated in controlled studies. Application to burns, pain, pediatric procedures, surgery, psychiatric presentations (e.g., coma, somatoform disorder, anxiety, and post traumatic stress), and obstetric situations (e.g., hyperemesis, labor, and delivery) are described.
Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2000 May;18(2):327-38, x. The use of hypnosis in emergency medicine. Peebles-Kleiger MJ, Menninger School of Psychiatry and Mental Health Sciences, Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS, USA. peeblemj@menninger.edu 

Significantly More Methadone Addicts Quit with Hypnosis. 94% Remained Narcotic Free
Significant differences were found on all measures. The experimental group had significantly less discomfort and illicit drug use, and a significantly greater amount of cessation. At six month follow up, 94% of the subjects in the experimental group who had achieved cessation remained narcotic free.
A comparative study of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of methadone addicts. Manganiello AJ, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1984; 26(4): 273-9. 

Hypnosis Shows 77 Percent Success Rate for Drug Addiction
Treatment has been used with 18 clients over the last 7 years and has shown a 77 percent success rate for at least a 1-year follow-up. 15 were being seen for alcoholism or alcohol abuse, 2 clients were being seen for cocaine addiction, and 1 client had a marijuana addiction
Intensive Therapy: Utilizing Hypnosis in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Potter, Greg, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004. 

Raised Self-esteem & Serenity. Lowered Impulsivity and Anger
In a research study on self-hypnosis for relapse prevention training with chronic drug/alcohol users. Participants were 261 veterans admitted to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (SARRTPs). individuals who used repeated self-hypnosis "at least 3 to 5 times a week," at 7-week follow-up, reported the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups.
American Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy (a publication of the American Psychological Association)
2004 Apr;46(4):281-97) 

Hypnosis For Cocaine Addiction Documented Case Study
Hypnosis was successfully used to overcome a $500 (five grams) per day cocaine addiction. The subject was a female in her twenties. After approximately 8 months of addiction, she decided to use hypnosis in an attempt to overcome the addiction itself. Over the next 4 months, she used hypnosis three times a day and at the end of this period, her addiction was broken, and she has been drug free for the past 9 years. Hypnosis was the only intervention, and no support network of any kind was available.
The use of hypnosis in cocaine addiction. Page RA, Handley GW, Ohio State University, Lima, OH USA 45804. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1993 Oct;36(2):120-3. 

Healed 41% faster from fracture
Healed significantly faster from surgery
Two studies from Harvard Medical School show hypnosis significantly reduces the time it takes to heal.
Study One: Six weeks after an ankle fracture, those in the hypnosis group showed the equivalent of eight and a half weeks of healing.
Study Two: Three groups of people studied after breast reduction surgery. Hypnosis group healed "significantly faster" than supportive attention group and control group.
Harvard Medical School, Carol Ginandes and Union Institute in Cincinnati, Patricia Brooks, Harvard University Gazette Online at http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2003/05.08/01-hypnosis.html.




(NaturalNews) The effectiveness of hypnosis is often questioned because the cause of hypnotic phenomenon is not yet known. Research has been conducted on hypnosis for hundreds of years. Thousands of studies have been performed, yet the origination of hypnosis has not yet been realized. The Mayo Clinic has found hypnosis to be very effective and beneficial with a variety of disorders. Hypnosis does not always work the same way for everyone, but its effectiveness cannot be denied.

The Mayo Clinic defines hypnosis as being an altered state of consciousness. There are many changes that occur while a person is in a trance-like state. A person is able to focus their attention in a more direct way while under hypnosis. People are also more open to suggestion, which often helps people make changes in their thought process and in their actions. While in a hypnotic state, people tend to be less critical and more believing. The Mayo Clinic believes that the purpose of hypnosis is a therapeutic technique to help you understand and gain more control over your behavior, actions, emotions, or physical well-being.

Researchers and doctors at the Mayo Clinic are not sure how exactly hypnosis works, but current research points to a mind-body connection through nerves, hormones, and chemicals in the brain and body. Hypnosis is best used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. The Mayo Clinic lists the following benefits of hypnosis: changing negative habits (stop-smoking), reduce stress and anxiety, control pain, relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lower blood pressure, reduce frequency and intensity of migraines, treat asthma, and heal skin disorders.

The Mayo Clinic also puts many hypnosis myths to rest. Many people think that under hypnosis, they will have no free will. This is untrue; under hypnosis people have a heightened state of concentration, but they are in complete control. Another myth is that a hypnotherapist can control people under hypnosis. The truth is that a hypnotherapist serves as a guide and cannot make anyone do something that they do not want to do. It is also not true that people can become hypnotized without consent. Hypnosis involves a person`s willingness to participate (Goal Oriented Hypnotherapy).

The Mayo Clinic is a one of the leaders in research in the medical field. Their research of hypnotherapy is evidence-based (Hypnosis). They are a reputable source of information on the topic of hypnotherapy and medicine.

Sources
About Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on September 14, 2009: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Ab...

03 December 2012

We recommend Concept Fertility

We have a "we recommend" section on the website.  Mr. Ojha is one of the doctors at Concept Fertility we have worked closely with and I can not tell you how many times I have heard my clients sing his praise.  He is a gift to a couple trying to conceive - just make a note if you ever need his help or know someone who does.  See below for details:

We began working with Concept Fertility at Parkside Hospital in Putney. It is a one-stop fully comprehensive fertility service with a very unique personal experience. Their team understands how important this journey is and has created a step by step support process which is tailored to a couples circumstances – as each couple has a unique story. When you call, you will always get through to one of the experienced consultants who will be with you throughout the whole process. You will love that you choose Concept Fertility. 

Visit the Concept Fertility website

Concept Fertility

28 November 2012

New Mothers and taking care of baby

New Mothers in Blur for Months - Metro 28/9/12.  Really interesting article I cut out to share a few months ago and only now getting the time to type it onto my blog.  This is one of the reasons I see so many woman after their babies arrive.  Besides what they mention below, you also have mothers groups, husbands not aware of the stress happening, family (both sides) all giving advice.  It's a lot to adjust to and I help put things in perspective and restore the confidence AND sleep.

"New mothers take almost 5 months to get the hang of raising babies, research shows.  It takes that long for them to establish a routine, learn what the different cries of their newborn mean and what they need to "survive" in public.

The research showed markers such as the baby sleeping through the night or not panicking when their child had a temperature were crucial to a mother feeling things had clicked into place.  A frazzled 57% admitted those first few months after the birth passed by "in a bit of a blur" because they were so worried about getting everything right.  Six to ten went through a period where they felt they just weren't capable of being a mother, many of them bursting into tears.

It takes new mothers an average of 4 months and 23 days before they get the hang of motherhood.

The research of 2,000 mothers was commissioned by baby brand Munchkin."

22 November 2012

Weight 2012 - AGAIN!


Here we go again!  Which mean’s it is that time of year again when most of us think about losing weight.  Did you know that 95% of dieters re-gain the weight they have lost?  Worse than that, in the UK obesity has almost become the number one cause for premature death.  It is a fact that 25% of women and 20% of men in the UK are now classified as obese. The symptoms range from low energy levels and breathlessness to serious conditions such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, thyroid and hormone problems, and extra strain on the heart.   

So what is the solution?  To make a permanent life style change with the help of hypnotherapy. 

How you think affects everything you do and you can learn new ways to use your mind that will let you change easily and comfortably.  So how does it work?  First, we review the reasons behind your eating habits and use several techniques to help change that thinking once and for all.  Most people have an illusion that they are going to be “missing out on something”, but after 6 months, they are always thrilled with the changes in how they feel and how they look.  Loosing weight is like going to war.  You need to plan, be prepared, and committed to seeing it through to the end.  We can help you find the motivation you need to lose weight, exercise, and feel good about yourself and your body again.  Inside and out!

But again, you must be 100% committed to your goal.  This means seeing a nutritionist, getting a personal trainer and having a plan on eating for the week and exercising.  It's easy if you gear yourself up for it.  



Did you crack open another bottle of wine last night?


The drinking beyond the recommended limits trend has been growing steadily.  I have seen an increase in woman calling to help them cut back their drinking habits.  They are not alcoholics looking to stop for the rest of their lives, this is about professional women and housewives who are letting their casual drinking habit become a drinking problem.  It starts out as “I’ll just have one glass to relax” or “I deserve it” and after a glandule amount of time passes, it becomes a bottle instead of a glass.  And if you think it is horrible, just think of how many pints a man can knock back in the pub and no one blinks an eye.  I'm not saying it's okay, I am just putting things in perspective.  Three/Four pints vs. bottle of wine?

Because these women are drinking mainly at home, it gives that “no one will know” hidden secret or it will be professional women out drinking with colleagues in bars having large glasses.  The result is health related risk problems along with feelings of depression and letting yourself down. Always thinking, “I won’t do that again”.

Most of the time it is a coping mechanism to deal with the stress, pressures or challenges they are facing with their careers or home lives.  They are aware of it and reach a point where they want to do something about it.  That is when they call.

The thought of stopping totally for most people causes huge anxiety.  They feel they will miss something out of their lives and are not prepared to live without it.  I normally do 4 sessions to gradually cut down the intake and then achieve alcohol free days.  Some clients prefer to do the reverse and go without and go back.  The benefits are amazing in the end, not just physically but mentally as well.  It is not just using hypnosis.  We also educate clients on how balanced nutrition can help detox their bodies, stop the sugar craving (which is why we crave carbs the next day), and clean out their livers, without side effects.

The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis shows a 77% success rate for alcohol abuse.  Hypnotherapy uses a combination of techniques, which help the unconscious mind to make the changes you want to achieve.  The great thing about my job, is no one calls me who doesn’t want the help, so I have no resistance.  That is the key - your commitment to yourself to want to change.   To help someone achieve back control of their lives is a wonderful alcohol free buzz. 

I'm based at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy.  See web site for more information.




16 November 2012

Newsletter and content for 2013

We are working on our first quarterly newsletter and would like to know from our readers and clients if there is anything specific you would like included.  We want to keep it short, sweet and informative.  There is nothing worse than pages and pages of information, which makes you want to press delete faster than you can say "ugh" (and that is technically a real word : )

We are also working on some exciting new things to add to our web page also in 2013 but will announce that in the New Year after we have had a chance to generate press on it.  Stay tuned.

Next post is Christmas and how to survive the underlying stress - we can't see it but we know it's there and slowing building.

Don't worry, a few little steps and it will seem a breeze.

06 November 2012

Morning feel good questions

Everyone's definition of happiness is different.  Sometimes we forget to do the very basic things which make us happy.  Every morning get into the habit of asking yourself:

  1. What can I do today that will make me happy?  What about that makes me happy?  (Is it going for a walk, reading a book, taking a bath, talking with a good friend who makes you laugh, planning a trip, finishing a project, start learning something new)?
  2. What am I grateful for in my life?  Why?  (Health, home, family, dog, job, food, partner, children)?
  3. Am I proud and committed to living a good balanced life?  (What do I need to change to improve this and start it today)?  Always take massive action when you know you need to.

So many clients get hung up on start / stopping and it doesn't need to be like that.  A blip is not the end of the world and you can start again immediately.  Give up on the "I'll start Monday or the New Year". If you know you have something that is making you unhappy in your life, stop it, change it, or improve it.

Get your life balance and you will be happy.




23 October 2012

Eldon Taylor's new book

I have read my friend Eldon Taylor's latest book, "Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology", which has just been released.  It is full of inspirational quotes and ideas to live life with a positive open-minded outlook based on the laws of attraction.  It follows very closely principles used in "The Secret".  As you know, I believe anything you can read that inspires you is a very good thing.

It also comes with a CD.  The CD has both short and longer recordings to you can work it into your day and help you master self-hypnosis.

Eldon is having a wonderful launch party so you really should check it out.
http://www.progressiveawarenesspromotions.com/it/12j/indexJ.html

20 September 2012

Stop smoking on 1st October NHS campaign

On the 1st October the NHS is promoting a smoke-free campaign encouraging smokers in England to stop smoking for 28 days during October.  I completely support it and will give everyone, during the month of October, £25.00 off my normal fee and donate it to Cancer UK.

Take the 28 day challenge but make it a life long change.  You will feel so much better for doing it.  The best way to commit is to think of all the things you hate about smoking and then list all of the things you will gain from stopping.  You can start November feeling healthier, happier and proud. 


Blogging


I am still getting used to blogging after several months.  Sometimes I forget and sometimes I am too busy.  And sometimes I am not sure what to blog that is important enough to share.  Everyone seems to have a different view of what the true use of a blog is and what it should reflect.

I have a very professional side and can give lots of advice to clients but I also like to reflect (even on a business blog) the fun side of enjoying life, like our cat sitting at the table hoping for a treat.  I guess at the end of the day, it's what you want it to be.  So I just hope people enjoy it and learn something useful.


18 September 2012

Taking the time and get the balance back

I went on holiday to Greece.  It was fantastic.  We achieved that total relaxation you can only get going to some place warm without internet access and completely switch off from work.  Well now I'm back and having such a hard time getting back into my work routine while keeping my personal balance.

SO, I did what I tell my clients:  Wake up 1 hour early every morning for a week and use each hour to just clear out the clutter, plan your week, do your inbox reading each piece of paper only once.  It helps to sit at a big desk and make piles of action now, file, to do, weekend stuff, etc....  and then use one of those hours to get through it all.  It will make you feel back on track and back in control.

Remember to schedule in the down time as well (bath, read a book, go for a walk, meditate).  In a recent article I read about Joanna Lumley, she said every morning she stands outside (no matter what the weather) to ground herself.  I think that is a brilliant idea.  Good or bad weather, it is always good - if you know what I mean.

Good health.

07 August 2012

Wave chair - isn't it beautiful and inspirational?

This is my new wave chair and I love it.  It's great on my admin days when I have to sit at my desk for a few hours (remembering to take regular breaks).  It is great for your posture and building your core support.  I highly recommend it. 

For those who don't know correct positioning at your desk, the main guidelines are as follows:
  1. Eyebrows should be level with the top of your computer screen.
  2. Feet should be on the floor and the height adjusted so your knees are just slightly slower than your hips.
  3. Arms should be "L" shaped so it's not too far flexed in either an up or down wrist.
  4. You should sit close enough to your desk so you don't have to over reach for items on it (particularly the phone).

Good health to all.